Dallas Mavericks: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist joins the New York Knicks

Dallas Mavericks: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist joins the New York Knicks

The Dallas Mavericks were in a prime position to make the playoffs at last year’s trade deadline, but they need to sure up their defense. Setting 17th in the NBA was not going to lead to a deep run. The Mavs could not find the piece they wanted on the trade market, so they shifted to signing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was bought out with the Charlotte Hornets.

The 27-year-old ended up playing a key role for Dallas in the postseason. They needed another person to guard Kawhi Leonard, and MKG stepped up. His nearly 19.5 minutes in Game 4 were crucial to the Mavericks picking up the win and knotting the series at two games apiece.

Kidd-Gilchrist was an unrestricted free agent when the season ended. He found a new home on Nov. 28. Let us take a look at the latest.

Former Dallas Mavericks forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to sign with Knicks

Bobby Marks reported that the New York Knicks are inking MKG to a one-year deal. He joins a deep frontcourt in the Big Apple. First-round pick Obi Toppin was just added to play next to Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Nerlens Noel, R.J. Barrett, and Kevin Knox. Kidd-Gilchrist brings a defensive element the Knicks need if they plan on pushing for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference this season.

The 27-year-old was not returning to the Mavericks. They recently agreed to sign J.J. Barea to a guaranteed contract which put them at 16 heading into training. The Mavs will have to cut one player before the regular season starts. It was fantastic to see MKG catch on with the Knicks. Hopefully, he gets plenty of minutes and has a career-year.

Training camp is just days away, so stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the opinions, news, and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks this season.